Assistance programs in New Jersey
Explore public benefits and assistance resources by the kind of help you need. Agencies decide eligibility and availability.
Find programs for your situationFood assistance
NJ SNAP (Food Assistance)
Apply for NJ SNAP through MyNJHelps or your County Social Service Agency. The county reviews eligibility and provides interview and verification instructions.
New Jersey WIC
New Jersey WIC supports pregnancy and young children’s nutrition. Start with the Participant Portal or arrange an appointment with a local WIC agency.
Utility assistance
NJ Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP & USF)
New Jersey uses a shared application for LIHEAP and the Universal Service Fund. Apply through DCAid or an authorized local agency and explain any pending shutoff.
Weatherization Assistance Program (New Jersey)
New Jersey weatherization accepts applications through DCAid and county-serving WAP agencies. The program assesses eligible homes for selected energy-saving improvements.
Health coverage
NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid & CHIP)
NJ FamilyCare is New Jersey’s Medicaid and children’s coverage program. Apply through the FamilyCare pathway and review each applicant’s decision and plan-enrollment instructi
Cash and income support
Work First New Jersey (Cash Assistance)
Work First New Jersey provides temporary cash and related support. Apply through MyNJHelps or your County Social Service Agency, then complete the interview and verification.
New Jersey Earned Income Tax Credit
New Jersey’s earned income tax credit is claimed through the state income-tax return. Use instructions for the year being filed rather than treating the credit as a benefit-po
Unemployment Insurance (New Jersey)
New Jersey unemployment begins with an initial claim and requires separate weekly certification. Use the state’s current application instructions and check both email and post
Additional support
Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ-LAW Hotline)
Legal Services of New Jersey offers free civil legal help to eligible low-income residents. Use its legal-help application to request screening and explain any urgent court da
NJ 211
NJ 211 offers resource referrals 24 hours a day through phone, text, chat and its website. Use it to identify local services when you do not know where to begin.
Program names come from our existing directory. Funding and rules can change; confirm details with the administering agency before applying.